Optical properties of liquid crystals

Liquid crystals are materials that have properties between liquids and solids. Their molecules are usually aligned in specific ways, which affects how they interact with light. Because of this alignment, liquid crystals can control light transmission when an electric field is applied, changing their optical properties like transparency and color. This is how liquid crystal displays (LCDs) work, where images are formed by modulating light through these molecules. Their ability to switch between different optical states in response to voltage makes them useful in screens, cameras, and other devices that require precise light control.